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AED Selection & Purchase Specifications

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as restricted devices and require labeling stating these devices are restricted “to use by or on the order of a physician.” Medical devices such as AEDs generally require a physician serving as the medical director or medical oversight for the person or organization purchasing and/or operating the devices in order to achieve compliance with FDA rules regarding the sale and use of these restricted devices.

All Agencies and Organizations purchasing and using AEDs under the Medical Direction or Medical Oversight of the Austin/Travis County Office of the Medical Director must purchase AEDs meeting the current Selection & Purchasing Requirements effective November 21, 2017. The OMD no longer approves specific AED models. Instead, the OMD now provides very specific design, feature and configuration requirements for AEDs. These specifications provide EMS System agencies with additional options for meeting the specific design requirements.